UTHThe University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston · Biology
Cheng Lab
Xiaodong Cheng · Houston, Texas
Research Focus
Dr. Xiaodong Cheng's laboratory focuses on understanding and treating diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss among diabetics. The lab investigates the role of a protein called Epac1 in the development of DR and explores new therapeutic strategies that could improve patient outcomes. By combining genetic and pharmacological methods, the team aims to create innovative drugs targeting the underlying mechanisms of this condition.
diabetic retinopathyEpac1vascular remodelingneovascularizationtherapeutic targetcAMPvasculaturein vivo pharmacological agentsdiabetesanti-VEGF
Research Aims
5AIM 01Investigate the role of Epac1 in vascular dysfunction during diabetic retinopathy.
AIM 02Identify the mechanisms underlying Epac1-mediated neovascularization.
AIM 03Develop new pharmacological agents targeting diabetic retinopathy.
AIM 04Understand the etiology of diabetic retinopathy at the molecular level.
AIM 05Assess the therapeutic potential of Epac-specific inhibitors.
Skills the Lab Values
genetic engineeringpharmacological assayscell culturemouse modelsWestern blottingimmunohistochemistryRNA sequencingflow cytometrydata analysis with R/Pythonmicroscopy